Wine Sponsor: Olianas
By Samantha Lucenti
Olianas is another sponsored wine to be featured at our final dinner at the James Beard Foundation on October 29th. Starting at the beginning of the century in the heart of Sarcidano, Olianas was created by Stefano Casadei, Artemio Olianas, and Simone Mugnaini. Sharing a common philosophy of producing quality wines based on respecting the environment is what started this company. Olianas produces organic and bio-integrated wines that are both related to the history and layout of the land. The vineyard is dedicated to keeping their excessive soil compaction by using horses rather than vehicles.
The featured wine is the Vermentino di Sardegna DOC and is 100% Vermentino grapes. These grapes were planted in 2007 and are harvested by hand in the first decade of September. About 20% of the grapes are harvested slightly earlier and fermented in stainless steel and partly in clay jars. This Vermentino has intense and clean notes of grape fruit and citrus with hints of spices and bread crust. At the palate is refreshing and quite round with a very pleasant finish.